Archive for the ‘Kevin Everett’ Category

It still came as a surprise. I knew he could walk, had seen him on television. But watching Kevin Everett walk down the hallway of the Tremont Hotel Monday evening left me riveted.

He wasn’t supposed to walk again. In fact, without the fantastic and immediate medical help from the Buffalo Bills staff, Everett would have died last September after making a tackle.

I watched him stroll down the hall as if he never had medical hiccup. A good pace, no hesitation, just a man moving with purpose.

The purpose Monday was part of the Ed Block Courage Awards celebration. Everett of course is the recipient, and probably the most deserving ever of the honor. That’s not to insult any past winners, but he truly inspires.

The miracle of his survival, and now his prosering leaves him feeling a debt owed. He believes his purpose is now to inspire others, but it’s not that simple.

Kevin Everett does not like the spotlight. He tolerates interviews, embracing them as much as he can, fighting a feeling of discomfort because simply put he does not like attention. And really, how much fun can it be to relive the worst moment of your life so continuously?

But just as wedge busting a tackling were his jobs prior, now he shares his story of hope and how to fight. His efforts, along with doctors, and as he believes a gift from God have brought him back to life. And not just any life, one filled with physical ability.

That possibility seemed so remote last September as he lay there on the turf, barely able to breathe, able to move nothing below his neck.

Watching Kevin Everett walk down the hall has become one of my favorite moments in doing this job. I don’t know if it was a miracle, but I know with complete satisfaction that it was something very special.